PRETERM LABOR OR PREMATURE LABOR

Preterm means before term,

normally the fetus deliver at term means between 39 to 40 weeks of gestation.

If the fetus deliver after 20 weeks and before 37 weeks then it is called preterm labour or premature labor.

Due to deliver early the baby having chance of poor development in physically and mentally.

CAUSE OF PREMATURE LABOR OR PRETERM LABOR

• Smoking in pregnancy
• Overweight in pregnancy
• Underweight in pregnancy
• Drinking alcohol in pregnancy
• Using street drug during pregnancy.
• Twins pregnancy or multiple pregnancy.
• High blood pressure during pregnancy .if the systolic blood pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg .then that is called blood pressure, and this is risk factor for both mother and baby.

Diabetes- if the blood sugar level rises in pregnancy, means fasting blood sugar level 70 to 110 mg per dl is normal .and if the mother having higher than normal blood sugar then there is also chance of preterm labour.

• Congenital anomalies mean structural and functional anomalies present in the fetus during intrauterine life.and it is also caused of preterm labour.

• Preeclampsia- if the mother is suffering from high blood pressure.albumin in urine. and edema in the leg that is called preeclampsia. and it is the cause of preterm labour.
• Maternal age- if the mother is below 17 years and above 35 years then there is also the chance of preterm labour.
• History of previous preterm labour-if the mother having a history of previous preterm labour then there is also a chance of preterm labour.
• Physical stress also can cause of preterm labour.
• PREVENTION OF PRETERM LABOUR

The mother should go for antenatal check up regularly.

The mother should not take any street drug or illegally drugs without doctor prescription

Smoking and alcohol should avoid during pregnancy.

Mother should take healthy diet and take rest.

Mother should avoid hard work during pregnancy.

If mother having any pregnancy complications such as diabetes, preeclampsia then consult doctor regularly.

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